Greenwood, South Carolina, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood, South Carolina has experienced an unusual surge in seismic activity, with nine earthquakes recorded in just four days. The strongest tremor reached a magnitude of 3.0. Despite the notable increase in tremors, local officials report no significant damage. Residents are advised to review their earthquake insurance while state officials monitor the situation, attributing these events to normal geological activity. This pattern of earthquakes adds to the region’s ongoing geological history, raising questions about safety and preparedness among residents.
Greenwood, South Carolina Weathered Nine Earthquakes in Four Days
A series of earthquakes has struck Greenwood, South Carolina, leading to a total of nine tremors recorded within just four days. The most recent earthquake hit Coronaca at approximately 1:51 a.m. with a magnitude of 2.0, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed.
The sequences began on Saturday morning, with seven tremors registered between midnight and 4 a.m., plus an additional quake later that afternoon at 3:19 p.m. The magnitudes of the Saturday earthquakes ranged from 1.5 to 3.0, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 3.0 at 12:23 a.m. Specifically, on Saturday, the recorded earthquakes were:
- 2.9 M at 12:17 a.m.
- 3.0 M at 12:23 a.m.
- 2.5 M at 12:41 a.m.
- 1.5 M at 1:21 a.m.
Despite hundreds of local residents reporting the tremors, no significant damage has been recorded. The local community’s response has been monitored, and it was noted that the S.C. Department of Emergency Management has recommended that property owners consider earthquake insurance coverage to protect against potential risks.
Recent Geological Activity
Reports indicate that a total of 13 earthquakes occurred in the Lake Greenwood area from August 19 to August 25, 2025. This includes the recent series and illustrates a notable uptick in seismic activity, especially given that South Carolina typically experiences between 10 to 20 earthquakes annually, predominantly in the Lowcountry region.
In 2025 alone, South Carolina has already recorded 23 earthquakes. The strongest event prior to this recent series occurred on August 9, registering a magnitude of 1.75 in Myrtle Beach. Historical data shows that South Carolina is not a stranger to seismic activity, with a powerful 7.3 magnitude quake hitting Charleston in 1886, marking the state’s most significant recorded earthquake.
Unusual but Not Unprecedented Activity
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has characterized the recent swarm of earthquakes as unusual but not indicative of an impending larger seismic event. Research suggests that around 200 smaller tremors may have occurred unnoticed in the state in recent years, highlighting the state’s active geological background.
Official Recommendations
In response to the recent earthquakes, officials are advising residents to:
- Review their insurance policies for earthquake coverage.
- Secure items in their homes that may be vulnerable to movement during tremors.
These measures serve to enhance safety and preparedness within the community as residents navigate this unusual seismic pattern.
Summary of Earthquake Activity in Greenwood
| Date | Time | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| August 19, 2025 | — | — |
| August 20, 2025 | — | — |
| August 21, 2025 | — | — |
| August 22, 2025 | — | — |
| August 23, 2025 | 12:17 a.m. | 2.9 |
| August 23, 2025 | 12:23 a.m. | 3.0 |
| August 23, 2025 | 12:41 a.m. | 2.5 |
| August 23, 2025 | 1:21 a.m. | 1.5 |
| August 23, 2025 | 3:19 p.m. | — |
| August 24, 2025 | 1:51 a.m. | 2.0 |
FAQ
What caused the recent earthquakes in Greenwood, South Carolina?
The recent earthquakes are a natural geological occurrence typical in certain areas of South Carolina. They are attributed to movement within the Earth’s crust.
Are these earthquakes a sign of a larger event?
While the swarm of earthquakes is unusual, experts have stated that it is not an immediate precursor to a larger seismic event.
What should residents do in response to these earthquakes?
Residents are encouraged to review their earthquake insurance coverage and secure household items that may be vulnerable to shaking during tremors.
How many earthquakes are typically recorded in South Carolina?
South Carolina generally experiences between 10 to 20 earthquakes each year, primarily in the Lowcountry region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Unusual Earthquake Swarm Recorded in Greenwood County
Small Earthquake Cluster Shakes Greenwood County
Greenwood County Experiences Surge in Earthquake Activity
Greenwood County Experiences Seven Earthquakes
Series of Earthquakes Hit Greenwood County
Four Earthquakes Rattle Greenwood County, South Carolina
Greenwood County, South Carolina Hit by Series of Small Earthquakes
Greenwood County, SC Experiences Series of Earthquakes
Greenwood County, South Carolina Shaken by Early Morning Earthquakes
Recent Earthquake Series Hits Greenwood County
Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- National Weather Service: Earthquake Preparedness
- WLTX News
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Post and Courier
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
